Which of the following sets does not contain defining characteristics of living organisms ?

Options

A. Growth and reproduction
B. Metabolism and cellular level of organisation
C. Response to stimuli and consciousness
D. All of these

Explanation

To solve the question of which set does not contain defining characteristics of living organisms, we can analyze each option provided:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Options**: We have four options to consider:
- Option A: Growth and Reproduction
- Option B: Metabolism and Cellular Level of Organization
- Option C: Response to Stimuli and Consciousness
- Option D: All of these

2. **Analyze Option A (Growth and Reproduction)**:
- **Growth**: While growth is a characteristic of living organisms, non-living things can also exhibit growth (e.g., crystals).
- **Reproduction**: Not all living organisms reproduce (e.g., infertile organisms). Thus, this set does not strictly define living organisms.

3. **Analyze Option B (Metabolism and Cellular Level of Organization)**:
- **Metabolism**: This is a defining characteristic of living organisms, involving chemical reactions necessary for life.
- **Cellular Level of Organization**: All living organisms are made up of cells, which is a fundamental characteristic of life.

4. **Analyze Option C (Response to Stimuli and Consciousness)**:
- **Response to Stimuli**: Living organisms respond to changes in their environment, which is a key characteristic of life.
- **Consciousness**: While not all living organisms exhibit consciousness, the ability to respond to stimuli is a defining trait.

5. **Analyze Option D (All of these)**: This option suggests that all previous options contain defining characteristics of living organisms, which is not true based on our analysis.

6. **Conclusion**: After analyzing all options, we conclude that **Option A (Growth and Reproduction)** does not contain defining characteristics of living organisms.

### Final Answer:
The set that does not contain defining characteristics of living organisms is **Option A: Growth and Reproduction**.

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